Campfire Ban to Be Lifted In City of Cranbrook & Southeast Fire Centre Friday

September 13, 2018

** With files provided by the Southeast Fire Centre & Province of BC

CASTLEGAR, BC (September 13, 2018) - Effective at noon (Pacific time) on Friday, September 14, 2018, campfires will once again be permitted throughout the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction including within the municipal boundary of the City of Cranbrook, due to decreased wildfire risks in the region.

At the same time, Category 2 open fires will once again be permitted in the Columbia Fire Zone only. Larger Category 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction. A map of the affected areas is available online: http://ow.ly/fVNX30lNvIM

The following activities remain prohibited in the Boundary, Arrow, Kootenay Lake, Invermere and Cranbrook fire zones, including the City of Cranbrook:

Category 2 open fires, as defined in the Wildfire Regulation

stubble or grass burning of any size

the use of air curtain burners (forced-air burning systems)

the use of sky lanterns

the use of fireworks, including firecrackers

the use of burn barrels or burning cages of any size or description

the use of binary exploding targets (e.g. for target practice)

The BC Wildfire Service thanks the public for its continued support, vigilance and co-operation during this challenging fire season.

The Southeast Fire Centre encompasses the area extending from the United States border in the south to Mica Dam in the north, and from the Okanagan Highlands or Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east. The Southeast Fire Centre includes the Selkirk and Rocky Mountain natural resource districts.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca;